…Says Party Has Emerged as Preferred Platform for Millions of Nigerians
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has applauded former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, for what it described as his courage, foresight and leadership in founding the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), declaring the party a leading national movement and one of the most attractive political platforms in Nigeria today.
The commendation came when the Chairman of PANDEF, Ambassador Dr. Boladei Igali, led a high-powered delegation of the forum on a courtesy visit to Senator Dickson, National Leader of the NDC, at his residence in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Igali congratulated the former governor for championing the establishment and growth of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, noting that the party has injected fresh energy into Nigeria’s democratic process and is increasingly attracting support across the country.
According to him, the NDC has rapidly evolved into a formidable national political movement with growing acceptance among Nigerians seeking a credible platform for democratic participation and national renewal.
He explained that PANDEF’s visit formed part of the forum’s ongoing consultations and engagements with political parties and major political stakeholders across the country on issues affecting the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.
The PANDEF Chairman disclosed that the organisation had already engaged several political parties and their leaders as part of its broader stakeholder consultation initiative aimed at fostering national unity, peace, equity and sustainable development.
He stressed that PANDEF remains committed to constructive engagement with political actors, regional bodies and national institutions in pursuit of solutions to the country’s socio-economic and political challenges.
“We came to pay a courtesy call on His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the National Leader of the NDC, first to congratulate him as a son of the Niger Delta for having the courage to come up with a national movement, and also to discuss the activities of the party.
“PANDEF is engaging with leaders of various political parties on issues pertaining to the Niger Delta and the country at large. We had a very fruitful discussion, and we appreciate the fact that the NDC has become a leading national movement and perhaps the party of choice for many Nigerians today. We are particularly pleased that this is happening at a time when we are at the helm of affairs in PANDEF.
“We have met with a number of other party leaders; some have come to see us, while we have visited others. We will continue to make our contributions towards making Nigeria a better place.
“Once again, we congratulate His Excellency, Senator Dickson. We also congratulate the Chairman of the party, the national leadership, and the teeming members and supporters of the NDC from across the country. We wish them all the very best in the evolving democratic dispensation.”
Ambassador Igali further congratulated the National Chairman of the NDC, members of the National Working Committee and supporters of the party nationwide for their dedication to deepening democratic participation and strengthening the country’s political landscape.
The visit, observers noted, reflects PANDEF’s sustained commitment to engaging political institutions and leaders on issues of national importance while continuing to advocate for the interests and development of the Niger Delta region.
Members of the PANDEF delegation included the Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Bassey Nyong Ekefre, and the National Treasurer, Mrs. Ifeoma Onyeoma Agbomah.